Statement from UM System President Gary Forsee on approval of FY10 budget

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"On behalf of the four campuses of the University of Missouri System, I want to commend our legislators for their hard work and diligence in approving Missouri's Fiscal Year 2010 budget, which includes the university's core operating budget, university-related programs and capital improvement projects.

"The legislature's support of Gov. Jay Nixon's recommendation to keep public higher education funding levels flat in the coming fiscal year—despite a difficult economy and declining tax revenues—is recognition that higher education is an investment in our state's future. As part of our agreement with Gov. Nixon, the University of Missouri will not raise undergraduate tuition or fees in the FY09-10 academic year. We remain committed to ensuring that a college education remains affordable and attainable for all who desire one.

"We also are grateful for capital funding to complete the remaining projects in the state's Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative. These projects include Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia, the math and science center (Benton-Stadler Hall) in St. Louis and agricultural experiment stations throughout the state. This funding will help the university continue to ensure the highest levels of teaching and service in these locations.

"While we appreciate the continued investment by the state, there is more work to be done, especially given the ongoing challenges of the economy. We will continue our commitment to be good stewards of the state's resources and to be accountable to its citizens. We also will continue to find creative ways to achieve greater efficiencies, collaboration and investment in key strategic areas that will benefit our state in the long term."